Cyber Security

1. October 2012 is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Let’s make our online lives
safer and more secure! Cyber security begins with STOP. THINK. CONNECT. These
three simple words help remind us how to stay safer and more secure online. Learn more
at http://stopthinkconnect.org/.
*When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t open links in email, tweets, posts, and online
advertising—unless from a trusted source.
*Make online passwords long and strong. Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters and
numbers and symbols. Have a different password for every account.
*Keep your list of online passwords stored in a safe, secure place away from your
computer.
*Protect all devices that connect to the Internet—computers, smart phones, gaming
systems all need protection from viruses and malware.
*Be a good digital citizen. Help authorities fight cybercrime by reporting stolen identities,
finances and other incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) and
your local law enforcement or state attorney general as appropriate.
*When banking and shopping online, make sure websites are security enabled. Look for
web addresses with “https://” or “shttp://”. “Http://” is not secure.
*Know the best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats? It’s by keeping
a Clean Machine and having the latest security software, web browser and operating
system. *Get savvy
about Wi-Fi hotspots. Adjust security settings to limit who can access your machine.

2. *Be wary of online messages that urge you to act immediately, offer something that
sounds too good to be true, or ask for personal information.
*Back up your valuable work, music, photos, and other digital information and store it
safely.
*Have you changed your computer and other digital device passwords lately? It’s one of
the best ways to increase your online safety and security.
*Do you own your online presence? Set the privacy and security settings on websites to
your comfort level for information sharing. It’s okay to limit how and with whom you
share information.
*Is your wireless router secure? A protected home network means your family can use the
Internet safely and securely.
*Learn how you can keep yourself and your family safer online by visiting the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber security website: http://www.dhs.gov/cyber
*Learn how to protect you and your family from cyber bullying and harassment.
*Many software programs will automatically update to defend against known risks. Make
sure your automatic update feature is turned on.
*Become part of something big by “liking” the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. page on
Facebook. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/STOPTHINKCONNECT.
*USBs and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your
security software to scan them.
*Once you STOP. THINK. CONNECT., enjoy the Internet with greater confidence,
knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer. Learn more
at http://stopthinkconnect.org/.
Raise awareness about cyber security throughout the year.
Join the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign.

3. Stay safe and secure online all year round.
Learn more at:
Department of Homeland Security http://www.dhs.gov/cyber
StaySafeOnLine.org http://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/.
StopThinkConnect.org http://stopthinkconnect.org/
https://www.facebook.com/STOPTHINKCONNECT
Internet Crime Complaint Center www.ic3.gov
Your local law enforcement or state attorney general